Theatre and stage construction



Oct. 8, 1968 H. D. WOLFE THEATRE AND STAGE CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 15, 1966 INVENTOR, Howard D. Wolfe ATTORNEYS H. D. WOLFE Oct. 8, 1968 THEATRE AND STAGE CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 15, 1966 INVENTOR I M400 Wa fi ATTORN E Y5 United States Patent 3,404,494 THEATRE AND STAGE CONSTRUCTION Howard D. Wolfe, P.(). Box 4596, Richmond, Va. 23239 Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 413,919, Nov. 25, 1964. This application Apr. 15, 1966, Ser. No. 542,841

9 Claims. (Cl. 52-7) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 413,919, filed Nov. 25, 1964, now abandoned.

This invention relates to a theatre construction and i more particularly it relates to a theatre construction having an improved form of stage movably mounted therein.

In the presentation of theatrical productions, it is often necessary to depict two or more different scenes. Each of such scenes generally requires a distinct setting having special furniture and other forms of display. Thus, when the action in a theatrical production shifts from a first scene to a second scene, it is likewise necessary to change the stage settings from a display depicting the first scene to a display depicting the second scene. In the conventional form of theatre, such changes in scenery are accomplished through the use of multiple curtains and backdrops. For example, if it is desirable to present two scenes on the stage of a conventional theatre, one such scene can be set up on the forward portion of the stage. and the other such scene can be set up on the rear portion of the stage, with a curtain or backdrop dividing the forward and rear portions. When the scene on the forward portion of the stage is being utilized, the dividing curtain or backdrop prevents the audience from seeing the scene on the rear portion of the stage. When it becomes necessary to use the scene at the rear of the stage, the forward scene is pushed off into the wings of the theatre and the dividing curtain is raised to thus expose the rear stage scene to the audiences view.

As should be apparent, there are certain drawbacks and deficiencies associated with a theatre construction such as that described hereinbefore. First of all, the usable depth of the stage is limited by the fact that at least two separate scenes must be placed simultaneously upon the stage.

However, a far more serious drawback with the conven tional form of theatre construction is that it is not adaptable to theatre-in-the-round presentations where the audience completely surrounds a central stage. With a theatrein-the-round form of presentation, no curtains or backdrops can be utilized, since they would cutoff the view of the audience sitting behind them. Accordingly, in the conventional theatre-in-the-round presentation, a change of scenery requires that one entire scene be carried olf from the stage, and that a second different scene be carried onto and properly placed upon the stage. Such scenery changing is naturally disconcerting and distracting to the audience, but more important, it tends to encourage the use of simple and flimsy scenery. Heavy furnishings cannot be 3,404,494 Patented Oct. 8, 1968 "ice readily utilizedsince they would require too great an effort to remove and replace during the presentation of a production. Similarly, multiple furnishings cannot be used since the time required to remove and replace such multiple furnishings would be unduly long for the proper presentation of a play. Therefore, most theatres-in-theround use relatively few pieces of furniture in a scene, and such furniture itself must be light-weight and simple to lift and move.

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that it would be beneficial to provide a theatre construction wherein the changing of scenery in a treatre-intheround can be more readily accomplished. Moreover, it would appear highly desirable to provide a staging arrangement whereby one scene could be permanently left in place. By using such a staging arrangement, heavy pieces of furniture can be used, and also multiple pieces of furniture can be used, with such furniture being properly located and permanently fixed in place for the duration of a play.

One further consideration, particularly with theatresin-the-round, is the possibility of utilizing the central staging area for some purpose other than the staging of a play. As an example, if the theatre is a dinner-type theatre, where food is served before the performance of the play, it would be useful to use the central staging area as a location for setting up food service tables. Similarly, if the play was not being performed on a particular night, it would appear useful to utilize the central staging area as a location for presenting an exhibition, conducting a sporting event, a public speaking area, or other related types of uses. In any of these events, it is necessary that the scenery in the central staging area be temporarily removed, and as aforesaid, it is preferable that a stage and its scenery be arranged in some manner whereby the scenery does not have to be removed during the duration of a play.

With the foregoing discussion in mind, it is, therefore, an object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks and deficiencies associated with prior art forms of theatre construction, and to provide in their stead, an improved theatre construction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a theatre and stage construction wherein the changing of scenery is more readily accomplished.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a theatre construction wherein a central staging area may be utilized for multiple purposes, yet where stage scenery need not ordinarily be removed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved theatrical stage, particularly adapted to be used in theatres-in-the-round, wherein such stage can have a scene permanently mounted thereon, but wherein the scene can be selectively moved into and out of the visual observational field of the audience.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved theatre construction and an improved stage construction which permit optimum versatility in presentation of a theatrical production while not materially increasing the costs of such a production, nor complicating the presentation thereof.

Numerous other objects, advantages and salient features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

The foregoing objects are attained by providing a theatre construction having a central staging area with a plurality of stepped viewing levels peripherally surrounding such a central area. A stage having generally flat upper and lower surfaces is located within the central staging area. The desired scenery may be placed upon the upper surface of the stage and may remain permanently thereon throughout the duration of a play. A suitable elevating means is provided for lifting the stage from its downward position, whereat the lower surface of the stage rests upon the base of the central staging area, to an upper or raised position whereat the scene is lifted out of view of the audience who is located on the various stepped viewing levels. When the stage has been raised in such a manner, that portion of the central staging area beneath the stage can be then utilized for any desired purpose.

For instance, another scene in the play may be conducted beneath the raised stage merely by carrying in the scenery and properly placing it on the base of the central staging area. Alternatively, tables may be set up to serve refreshments to the audience before or after the play, or during the intermission thereof.

The elevating means utilized for raising and lowering the stage includes a cable system and power operated means such as a hydraulic cylinder and piston arrangement or a motor driven winding shaft for operating the cable system. Properly spaced corner posts may be placed at the corners of the stage to provide a means for guiding the stage during its ascent and descent.

A ceiling can extend over the entire theatre, with a second story being located above such a ceiling. The ceiling may be provided with an opening shaped to accommodate the stage, when such stage is raised to an elevated position. In such an event, the players may merely go directly from their dressing rooms, on the second level, and climb onto the stage to be lowered therewith. The overall effect of having the scenery lowered into view of the audience, With the actors and actresses thereon, provides a unique form of presentation which is greatly appealing to the audience.

Referring to the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a sectional top plan view of a theatre construction in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional side elevational view of the theatre construction;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the improved stage and its elevating means;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary plan view of the manner of engagement of a corner of the stage with its guide post means;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a modified form of stage and elevating means therefor; and

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary plan view of the manner of engagement of a corner of the modified stage with its guide post means.

In general, the present invention includes a theatre generally designated 10, and a central staging area generally designated 12 within that theatre. A movable stage, generally designated 14, is movably mounted within the central staging area 12, and an elevating means generally designated 16 can be selectively operated to raise and lower the stage 14.

The central staging area 12 is formed with a continuous horizontal base surface 18, such as a fiat concrete slab forming the floor of the theatre 10. A plurality of stepped and interconnected viewing levels 20 peripherally surround the central staging area 12. Each of such viewing levels is generally horizontally planar. Movement between ditferent levels may be accomplished through the use of stairs, such as stairs 22 illustrated in FIGURES l and 2. The lowermost viewing level 20 may be on the same level as the base 18 of the central staging area. Moving outward from the central staging area, each level 20 is progressively stepped upward, so that the outermost level 20 is raised considerably above the level of the base 18. Thus, when viewing the play, a spectator on any of the outer levels may look downwardly and over the heads of those spectators positioned between himself and the central staging area. In this manner, each spectator in the theatre has a clear and unrestricted view of th central staging area 12.

Each of the viewing levels 20 is provided with suitable seating means for accommodating spectators who will comprise the audience in the theatre. Such seating means may be of any suitable form, such as benches, chairs, tables and chairs, or any other suitable form of supporting means, and such seating means can generally be designated as 24.

The stage 14 is formed as a shaped member having a generally continuous horizontal upper face 26 and a. similar horizontal lower or bottom face 28. The stage is formed in the shape of a quadrilateral, and is preferably a rectangle or a square. As such, the stage is provided with four separate opposed corners. A series of upstanding guide posts 30 are provided in spaced disposition about the corners of the stage 14. The posts 30 can be formed as wooden columns or beams, and are provided with a notched-out corner 32 designed to provide a track means for the stage 14. The size and shape of the notch 32 is suitable to accommodate a corner of the stage, in the manner shown in FIGURE 4, whereby the posts 30 and notched tracks 32 serve as a guide means for raising and lowering the stage 14. In order to prevent any undue drag or frictional engagement between the corner of the stage and its track, an angle 34 may be disposed within the notch 32 and a similar angle 36 may be attached to the corner of the stage which fits within that notch, the angles 34 and 36 being formed of metal, plastic or other suitable material which will not bind against one another. Naturally, if desired, the notched track could be provided in the corner of the stage so that the edge of the post could fit therewithin.

As can be seen from FIGURE 2, a ceiling 38 extends over the viewing levels of the theatre, and the upper surface of such a ceiling serves as the floor for a second story which is provided in the theatre. The posts 30 extend between the base 18 at the floor of the theatre and the ceiling 38. An opening 40 is provided in the ceiling to accommodate the stage 14 when such a stage has been elevated to a raised position. At least one room 42 is provided on the second story and is communicable with the opening 40 to thus allow access to the upper surface of the stage when the stage has been elevated to its raised position. In such a manner, if the room 42 is used as a dressing room, the actors and actresses can merely step from the room and onto the surface of the stage, when the same is raised to the position of FIGURE 2.

As aforesaid, an elevating means 16 is provided for moving the stage between its lowered position and its raised position. The elevating means 16 includes a suitable cable means for supporting the stage. For eace of description, the corners of the stage in FIGURE 3 have been designated A, B, C and D. An actuating means is provided for operating the cable means and such an actuating means includes a cylinder 44 having a piston 46 movably mounted therein, a piston rod 48 extending outwardly from the cylinder toward the stage, and a suitable pump or compressor 50 connected to the cylinder in a conventional manner. When the pump or compressor 50 is operated, fluid pressure will be selectively supplied to one side of the piston 46 or to the other side thereof, and such fluid pressure will cause the piston to move in a desired direction to either distend or retract the piston rod 48. As shown in FIGURE 2, the pump or compressor 50 may be located within the room 42 of the second story of the theatre, and the cylinder and piston mechanism may also be provided in that room, or alternatively, may be provided on the underside of the ceiling 38.

The cylinder and piston arrangement is disposed on one side of the stage, and as shown in FIGURE 3, such disposition is along the side of the stage having the corners C and D. A cable means is coupled to the cylinder and piston arrangement by being connected to the piston rod 48, and through such a cable means, horizontal or linear movement of the piston rod 48 is translated into vertical movement of the stage 14 to raise or lower the same.

The cable means includes a multi-track sheave 52 which is pivotally attached at the outer end of the piston rod 48, as, for instance, by a bifurcated yoke means 54. Four tracks 56 are provided in the sheave with such tracks being denominated as 56A, 56B, 56C and 56D. Similarly, four cables 58 are provided, with such cables 58 being denominated 58A, 58B, 58C and 58D. Each of the cables 58 has a fixed end 60, with all such cable fixed ends being at a common location and elevation, as, for example, the underside of the ceiling 38. From itsfixed end 60, each cable is trained over the sheave 52, in its appropriate track 56, and such cable then extends toward its appropriate corner on the stage 14.

Pulley means are mounted on each of the posts 30, with all such pulleys being mounted at a substantially common height above the corners of the stage. On the post 30 extending upward from corner A, two pulleys 62 and 64 are provided, with the pulley 62 having a generally vertical track and the pulley 64 having a generally horizontal track. Pulleys 66 and 68 are mounted respectively on the posts 30 extending above corners B and C, with each of such pulleys having a generally vertical track. Pulleys 70 and 72 are mounted on the post 30 extending above corner D, with pulley 70 having a generally horizontal track and pulley 72 having a generally vertical track.

Although the posts 30 have not been shown in FIGURE 3, for ease of illustration, the manner of connection of the cables 58 should be apparent. The cable 58A is reeved in the track 56A, extends over the pulley 62 and then downward to connect with stage corner A. The cable 58B is reeved in the track 56B, extends around the pulley 64, over the pulley 66 and then downward to connect with stage corner B. The cable SSC is reeved in the track 56C, extends around the pulley 70, over the pulley 68 and then downward to connect with stage corner C. Finally, the cable 58D is reeved in the track 56D, extends over the pulley 72 and then downward to connect with stage corner D.

Using such a cable arrangement, the operation of the elevating means 16 should be apparent. When the pump, or compressor 50 moves the piston and piston rod 48 through an increment of travel, the sheave 52 will be likewise moved. As the sheave 52 pulls away from the stage, the cables 58 are also pulled, thereby lifting the stage, with an equal lifting efiect being applied at all four corners. Reversing the direction of movement of the sheave will obviously produce a lowering in the stage, in an apparent manner.

If attention is directed to the modification shown in FIGURES and 6, it will be seen that the corner guide posts 30 are formed as cylindrical members, rather than square beams, as shown in FIGURE 4. Thus, for example, the posts 30 can be elongated pipes 80, either hollow or filled with concrete 82. A plastic or metal face 86 may be provided at each notch 84 to ride along the surface of the posts 30.

The posts 30 in the embodiment of FIGURE 5 extend above the second story 38 for preselected distance and have pulley means mounted at their upper ends. On the posts 30 extending upward at the corners C and D, single groove pulleys 88 and 90, respectively, are provided, each of such pulleys having a vertical track. On the posts 30 extending upward at the corners A and B, double groove pulleys 92 and 94, respectively, are provided, each of such pulleys having vertical tracks.

The cable SSC is reeved over the pulley 88 and the inner groove of the pulley 94. The cable 58B is reeved over the outer groove of the pulley 94. The cable 58D is reeved over the pulley 90 and the inner groove of the pulley 92. The cable 58A is reeved over the outer groove of the pulley 92.

A double grooved pulley 98 is disposed beneath the second story 38 adjacent the post extending from the 6 corner A. The cables 58A and 58D extend downward from the pulley 92, train over the pulley 98 and traverse horizontally either through or beneath the second story 38. Another double grooved pulley, not shown, but similar to pulley 98, is disposed beneath the second story 38 adjacent the post at the corner B, and the cables 58B and 58C extend downward from the pulley 94, train thereover, and traverse in parallel relation to the cables 58A and 58D.

The elevating means 16 includes an elongated winding shaft 100 mounted in journal bearings 102, 102 spaced inward from the ends thereof. One end of the shaft 100 is coupled with a winding motor 104 having a brake 106 associated therewith. The cables 58A, 58B, 58C and 58D wrap around the shaft 100 between the bearings 102 and and have their ends fixed to the shaft, as by means of studs 108.

A heavy counterbalance block or counterweight 110, formed of concrete or the like, is disposed beneath the shaft 100. Pulleys 112 are mounted on, the upper surface of the block 110 adjacent the ends thereof. Heavy supporting cables 114 extend from a fixed mount about the pulleys 112 and then wrap around the shaft 100 outboard of the bearings 102.

As the motor 104 operates to rotate the shaft 100, the cables 58 wind about the shaft and the stage 14 raises from its lowermost position toward its uppermost position. As the cables 58 Wind onto the shaft 100 thereby raising the stage 14, the cables 114 unwind therefrom, thus lowering the counterweight 110. The motor 104 is of the reversible type, thereby enabling the shaft to be driven reversely. When such reverse driving occurs, the cables 58 unwind from the shaft 100 causing the stage to lower, and simultaneously, the cables 114 wind onto the shaft 100 causing the counterweight 110 to raise.

As a control means, a pair of spaced limit switches 116 and 118 can be spaced apart adjacent the cable 58C or the cable 58D, as such cables extend between the upper ends of the posts 30. A block 120 is carried by the cable 58C and is engageable with the limit switches 116 and 118 to provide control for the motor 104, as schematically shown at 122.

In the utilization of the improved stage and theatre construction of the present invention, a scene, designated S in FIGURE 2, may be placed upon the upper surface 26 of the stage 14. Such a scene may include multiple items of furniture, including heavy and bulky pieces, and may be relatively firmly fixed in place, since it can remain on the stage 14 for the duration of the run of the play. Prior to presentation of the play, the stage may be raised to its elevated position shown in FIGURE 2, and the base surface 18 is thus opened and unencumbered. Temporary tables or other similar expedients may be placed upon the surface 18 for service of food and refreshments, sale of programs, and the like. Then, shortly prior to commencement of the play, the central area is cleared and the base surface is unobstructed. To open the play, the pump or compressor 50 of the motor 104 may be actuated to lower the stage from its elevated position to a lowered position whereat the bottom surface 28 of the stage rests upon the base surface 18. As the stage descends, the players in the opening scene may be already located on the stage, having entered from the room 42 on the second story of the theatre. When the stage finally is resting upon and is supported by the base surface 18, operation of the elevating means 16 is temporarily terminated. The play may then proceed in. the usual manner.

When it becomes necessary to change scenes or to temporarily shift the action to a different scene in the play, the elevating means 16 may be actuated to raise the stage 14 to its elevated position. Such raising may be accomplished with the lights temporarily dimmed or darkened. Simultaneously with such raising, auxiliarv pieces may be carried in across the viewing levels and may be placed upon the base surface 18 to set up a separate or second scene. Such a scene, of course, need not have the elaborate surroundings of the main scene S, but instead, may be a few simple props which can be readily moved to and away from the surface 18. Once the auxiliary scene has been enacted on the base surface 18, the lights can again be dimmed or darkened, the

props from the auxiliary scene can be removed, and simultaneously the stage 14 can be lowered to again bring the main scene S into view of the audience. A similar sequence of steps may be carried out at intermissions during the play, if desired, to again install refreshment stands or program sales on the base surface 18, and to allow the audience to cross freely beneath the raised stage 14.

It is believed that the improved manner of space utilization and theatrical presentation will be apparent from the foregoing matter. Not only does a construction of this type allow the use of a complicated and elaborate main scene S which need not be removed from the stage 14 at any time, but it further enables the theatre to make optimum use of the auxiliary space in the central staging area beneath the stage 14. This naturally lends great versatility to the theatre and enables a central staging area to be used for a variety of different purposes, thus rendering the theatre highly adaptable to various uses. Moreover, the very use of the movable stage itself, and the concept of raising and lowering the scenes and the actors and actresses to move them selectively into and out of the viewing area of the audience, in itself presents a unique and unusual staging arrangement which is greatly appreciated by the audience within the theatre.

After reading the foregoing detailed description, it should be apparent that the objects set forth at the outset of the specification havebeen successfully achieved. Accordingly,

What is claimed is:

1. A theatre construction comprising:

(a) an enclosed area defining a theatre;

(b) a stationary horizontal base surface stage within said enclosed area;

(c) a plurality of successively stepped horizontal viewing levels on each side of said base surface stage and being disposed at successively higher vertical distances with respect thereto as the lateral distance of said viewing levels therefrom increases;

((1) seating means for accommodating spectators on each of said horizontal viewing levels;

(e) a vertically movable stage;

(f) means defining the path of vertical movement of said vertically movable stage;

(g) a ceiling spaced above said base surface stage and said viewing levels with said ceiling having an opening therein aligned with said vertically moving stage and a surface on top of said ceiling juxtaposed to said opening; and

(h) drive means for raising and lowering said vertically movable stage to and from a first position wherein said vertically movable stage rests on and is supported by said base surface stage and a second position wherein access to said vertically movable stage from said surface on top of said ceiling is provided; whereby scenery and personnel on said vertically movable stage are viewable by spectators seated on said horizontal viewing levels when said vertically movable stage is in said first position, and scenery andpersonnel on said base surface stage are viewable by spectators seated on said horizontal viewing levels when said vertically movable stage is in said second position.

2. A theatre construction as defined in claim 1 wherein said vertically movable stage is generally rectangular and wherein said drive means includes a supporting cable system attached adjacent each corner of said stage.

3. A theatre construction as defined in claim 2 further including post means engaging the corners of said vertically movable stage to guide the same during raising and lowering operations.

4. A theatre construction as defined in claim 3 wherein said drive means further includes a selectively operable cylinder and piston means with said piston operating said cable system.

5. A theatre construction as defined in claim 4 wherein said cable system includes a sheave operatively connected to said piston, at least one pulley mounted on each of said post means, and a plurality of cables, each extending over said sheave and over at least one pulley and thereafter being connected adjacent a respective vertically movable stage corner.

6. A theatre construction as defined in claim 3 wherein said drive means includes a rotatable shaft about which said cable system winds and means for rotating said shaft to wind and unwind said cable system.

7. A theatre construction as defined in claim 6 further including a counterweight means coupled with said shaft.

8. A theatre construction as defined in claim 1 wherein said opening in said ceiling is congruent with the shape of said vertically movable stage.

9. A theatre construction as defined in claim 8 but further characterized by at least one room above said ceiling communicating with said vertically movable stage opening whereby, when said vertically movable stage is in a raised position, personnel and scenery may be placed upon or removed from said vertically movable stage upper face.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,616,198 2/1927 Partington 52'] 2,499,791 3/1950 Spencer 187-3 2,602,196 7/1952 Pelton 52-6 2,848,977 8/1958 Prestrud et al 254-189 3,210,895 10/1965 Graf 52-6 FOREIGN PATENTS 519,607 3/1931 Germany. 852,135 10/1952 Germany.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner.

C. W. ISAACS, Assistant Examiner. 

